22 Jul Eyeing Pilates? Here’s What You Should Know

Pilates reached popularity after celebrities were seen doing the fitness regime. The famed exercise is known to promote core strength, flexibility, balance, and muscle endurance.  

Joseph Pilates invented Pilates in the 20th century and was meant to be a method of injury recovery for dancers. Since then, the exercise is now enjoyed by people of all ages and genders regardless of current fitness levels.  

Pilates might be the perfect exercise routine if you are trying to change your workout routine into something low-impact with a focus on overall body strength and balance.  

Pilates Benefits  

Pilates has not reached popularity for nothing. It has been proven to be good for posture improvement, core strength, and injury recovery among others.  

Other benefits of Pilates include:  

• Improves body awareness: the practice of Pilates requires a mind-body connection. It means having the ability to focus on areas of your body that you should feel when doing the exercise. You should be aware of pain, comfort, and your emotions while you are doing the routine.  

• Improves flexibility, balance, and mobility: the exercise has movements that need coordination. It has reaching up and twisting exercises that will challenge one’s mobility, balance, and flexibility.  

• Boosts immunity: older adults may have better immunity with Pilates as the exercise promotes better circulation.  

• Better for your mental health: Pilates, just like any exercise, releases endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that can lower stress and improve mood.  

How to Start Pilates  

Pilates is usually a safe practice for everyone. However, it is advisable to talk to your doctor about your plans to switch your workout routine.  

However, some people should be more cautious in starting Pilates including:  

• Pregnant women  

• People who recently had surgery  

• Older adults  

• People with preexisting conditions  

• People who are overweight or obese  

• People who have not been exercising for a long time  

You can practice Pilates using body weight or with equipment and weight depending on your current fitness level. Make sure you have the right instructor for the kind of Pilates you want to do while considering your fitness goals.  

Start slowly and gradually do more difficult exercises as you progress. Feel your body and do what’s good for you. Align your practice with what your body needs, your fitness goals, and whether it is something you want to practice for a long time.    

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SOURCE: 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/pilates-benefits#benefits 

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/everything-you-want-to-know-about-pilates 

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/pilates-health-benefits